West Wing evacuated due to smoke

The West Wing of the White House in Washington, DC, was evacuated due to reports of smoke.

The West Wing of the White House was evacuated Saturday due to smoke being detected.

Frefighters were called to investigate the source of smoke which appeared to be coming from the first floor, according to a Secret Service spokesman, CNN reported.

Crews on five fire trucks responded to the West Wing of the White House where the president's Oval Office is located, including a ladder truck, while everyone, including press, were evacuated.

AP reported reporters and camera crews were evacuated shortly after 07:00 (11:00 GMT) but were allowed back into the building about an hour later.

President Barack Obama and his family were not affected by the incident.

A Secret Service spokesman Max Milien told USA Today that smoke was reported coming out of a mechanical closet on the first floor. It was believed equipment overheated.

The evacuation was performed out of an "abundance of caution", he added.

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